To succeed in the modern workplace, it is no longer a case of having only strong technical skills or impressive work experience.

These days, you need strength across many soft skills. Soft skills are those that show how we engage with other people, how we respond to challenges (or even crises), and how we manage our emotions and express empathy. They are widely applicable across industries and roles, and essential for success in your career.

For example, you need strong interpersonal skills to navigate today’s highly collaborative work environment. You should excel at problem solving and critical thinking, as these skills can help to drive innovation. Developing leadership skills can be an indicator of entrepreneurial spirit and inquisitiveness. All these qualities that are in demand by employers.

Soft skills can be developed on the job, through formal soft skills training programs or courses, and by networking and learning from mentors.

Be sure to brush up on some of the essential soft skills you need in the workplace and get some ideas of how to improve and strengthen yours by following the Essential Skills for the Administrative Professional on the OPSA online portal. Soft skills include:

• Emotional Intelligence
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication Skills
• Public Speaking Skills
• Presentation Skills
• Problem Solving Skills
• Strategic Thinking Skills
• Punctuality
• Leadership Skills
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Teamwork and Collaboration Skills
• Adaptability Skills
• Work Ethic
• Project Management Skills